Hospital Cafes; How multidecks can help fuel 'on the go' visitors

Hospitals are prime locations for fleeting business. There are many patients all of which have numerous visitors on a daily basis. During these visits the public will want to grab some quick nourishment and something to quench their thirst. By making sure that the stock and layout of your hospital shop or cafe is well designed, you can not only make it readily accessible to customers but also maximise your potential profits. Display refrigeration and in particular Multidecks are perfect for this type of scenario.

What should you stock?

In order to make the most out of your hospital café/shop, there are certain aspects that you will need to plan for and consider. Firstly ask yourself what people who are visiting a hospital and in a rush may need. The answer is easy to eat items that are healthy and nutritious accompanied by a range of sweet and savoury foods that will give quick bursts of energy in a quick snack form. You will also need to consider the drinks that you provide. You will need to cater for all tastes, therefore, stocking waters; flavoured, still and sparkling, soft drinks, juices and milkshakes etc. will cover the majority of requests.

Food selections may include dry storage items such as;

• Crisps
• Cereal bars
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Biscuits

Other more substantial and often refrigerated food selections could include;

• Cheese
• Fruits
• Salads
• Pasta
• Yoghurts
• Pre-cooked meats
• Sandwiches and baguettes

If you have the facilities available to prepare food on site to be packaged as take away individual servings or alternatively a local bakery that can carry out a daily delivery of fresh stock you may also want to consider;

• Cookies
• Muffins
• Scones

What equipment will you need?

Purchasing the right equipment for your needs will allow you to realise the full potential of the hospital quick food area. To enable you to be in the position to sell a wide range of products thus broadening your potential profit you will need to choose equipment that will not only keep your produce fresh but also provide the perfect visual attractiveness for your stock.

You may wish to consider;

Multidecks

These units have no doors meaning that the contents are easily accessible. Available in a range of sizes, these pieces of refrigerated display equipment are suitable for wide spaces, narrow areas, therefore, maximising aisle space – perfect for wheelchair accessibility and any height that may be required. The choice of shelving options means that you are guaranteed to have more than ample storage space for your needs. The integrated refrigeration means that your produce will be kept fresh whilst being attractively displayed.

Display refrigerators

These units differ very slightly from multidecks in the fact that they have glass doors. Display refrigerators are available as countertop models and full floor models. The option is there to choose either hinged doors or slide doors, the latter being ideal for smaller and more enclosed areas although perhaps not as practical for those with limited mobility and reach.

Dual display merchandisers

While these units are self serve cabinets they have the added benefit of being able to efficiently house both refrigerated and dry produce together. The layout is easy to access and visually attractive and appealing.

Display shelving

You will require somewhere to display your dry stock and where better than the simple shelving unit. Choose an amount of shelving that will comfortably hold all of your produce whilst also considering the appropriate size for the space you have available.

Display stands or baskets

These pieces offer a great way to show off freshly baked produce with a rustic and traditional flair. If you wish to continue the self serve theme you must make sure that you offer an ample supply of bags in which to put the items and hygienic serving tongs so that customers do not need to use their fingers.

What about the layout?

The design of your café/shop heavily depends on the space you have available. Each unique shape of floor space will naturally lend itself to a creative design. The main aim is to maximise the space you have available whilst still being able to retain clear and accessible aisles. Segmenting the area can help to prevent overcrowding of certain spaces; you may want to consider a refrigerated section, a dry food area and fresh produce nearest to the counter. If any vending machines are needed these should be placed just outside the doorway. All areas should be well lit, easy to clean and accessible by all members of the public.

With the right equipment and a little creative planning, you can design a hospital shop that lends itself perfectly to those members of the public who require quick, simple and easy to grab items. By offering exactly what these people need in a visually attractive and accessible manner you are sure to maximise your potential profits.